Connecticut western news., 1887-07-20
QUEER BEASTS.
Strange Specimens ot Animal
 Life Found in Arizona.
Reptiles and Insec Both
 Harmless and Otherwise.

Harmless and Otherwise.
 There are many species of lizards abounding upon the sandy 'misas, writes Globe (Arizona) correspondent to the San Francisco Chronicle one can hardly move rock without disturbing the siesta of one or more of these bright eyed. inoffensive little creatures, which seem to prove themselves desceadaate of Eve, for more curious bits A4f animal life were never known. ThuY curiosity will even overcome their natural fears for while writing upon large rock two to the paper, tasted an envelope, and upon being frightened away soon re- turned to pursue their Investigations, which, could person keep quiet enough, would be carried to a rather ob- noxious extent.
 The horned toad is another little ami nal which seems to have fondness for human company, and many of them make their home under porches and steps. They much resemble a large lizard, save that around their necks is number of sharp projecting horns about half an inch long and the same distance apart, and which gives to them most ferocious look. They are of dark stone color and perfectly harmless. There are quite good many centipedes, which, however, it is well to inspect from distance. Upon seeing the first one running across room a person Is ready to take his oath that the reptile is not less than three feet in length, but which, upon actual measure ment, would probably be about nine inches, as that is the average length. They are sort of transparent brown and have two rows of legs the entire length of the body. They are put together in sections, and look like the hundred-leg- ged worms often found in Ohio around rotten wood or under old boards. It is not the bite of the centipede that is so poisonous, but each end of his numerous claws contains the venom and when frightened, or an attempt is made to brush him off, every claw is fastened into the flesh and the poison discharged. The only way when one gets on to any DOT tion of the flesh is to keep perfectly quiet until the visitor walks of of his own account. This, however, is by no means easy thing to do, as one at first impulse is very apt to make decided endeavor to remove the offender. This poison is never known to prove fatal, but produces an intense irritation which will affect the whole system in the same man. ner as the bite of rattlesnake.
 Tarantulas are to be found quite plenty in the mountains, and when camp ing out our party had frequently to shoot number in order to clear spot on which to spread their blankets. This may seem small game for shooting, but mans revolver is his handiest weapon 1 in this country. These tarantulas look like huge spiders, with legs about two inches long and covered with long black hair. It is not safe to get too near one of these creatures, as they are capable of springing into the air several feet, and are apt to alight too near one for personal comfort; yet if left alone they will never molest one. But they are furious war riors among themselves often fighting one another for several days Their bite is poisonous, but not dangerously so
 Scorpions arc found to be quite plenty around the foot t-hills, and their sting is very painful. They resemble a mon- strous flea and are very fond of crawling into beds. Many people, newcomers es- pecially, are in the habit of making a thorough examination of their couch be- fore retiring, not caring to receive the warm reception which would be awarded them by these small intruders. There is small insect about the size of flea, dark brown color and without wings, which lives in the sand and is said to be the most poisonous of anything here. It is called an ''Indian killer" that being the only name for it that can be learned. It, however,is almost unknown, and after residence of several months I have never seen but one, and that dead one. 1